Monthly Archives: July 2016

Some yards seem to have all the luck: there’s room for everything, and a sparkling in ground pool! But even a small backyard can handle an in ground swimming pool. In fact, there’s a lot of variety to in ground swimming pools, and it’s likely that you can find one to complement your little space.

Fitting an In Ground Pool in a Smaller Space

For a backyard that’s lacking, a swimming pool can provide countless hours of fun in the sun. A smaller sized pool, which is generally understood to be 600 square feet or smaller, won’t be any less delightful than a larger pool.

These pools typically aren’t deep, so diving is usually unsafe. Many of them are around five feet deep or less at their deepest point. However, even though diving may be discouraged, all regular pool games are more than possible. In addition, with a smaller pool, you may not be able to swim laps like you would in a larger one, but there are ways to get around this. You can install water jets and swim against the current, for example.

As you can see, having a small pool is the same as having a larger pool, with all the exercise and all the fun, but without the extra expense that goes along with it. Smaller pools use less chemicals and take less time to heat than their larger counterparts.

Making a Smaller Pool Feel Larger

The best way to make a small pool fit seamlessly into your space is to tuck it near a wall or fence that isn’t in the center of your yard. This way, you won’t take away from any gathering or play areas, you can use less fencing around your pool, and you will need far less pool deck to surround it.

You don’t have to stop at just a simple pool. When you want a truly show-stopping look, consider installing a waterfall. It’s the perfect addition when you need a focal point or have an area that won’t fit a pool deck. You can make great use of the space you have while still including a few special features like waterfalls.

With a small pool, you will still have your pick of shapes to choose from. Will you go with something curvy or boxy? Will you bump your pool up against a wall of your home or place it near a fence? You have options.

The Perfect Pool, Every Time

For an in ground swimming pool that fits your needs, call the professionals. Blue Tree Landscaping is a one-stop-shop for everything lawn and pool. From planning to repair to maintenance, Blue Tree Landscaping can handle it all. Call today to learn more.

Effective garden landscaping takes comfort into consideration, providing easy access to both sunny and shady spots. Is your landscape lacking? Read on for creative ways to add shade to your garden this summer.

How to Add Shade to Your Garden This Summer

Shady Plantings

Add a bit of shade and a touch of class to your landscape with trees and evergreens. You don’t need to cover the entire yard, just go with species that will filter sunlight wherever you desire. Stick with shorter trees to provide an easy break from the heat without dominating your yard. Double-check the height and spread of a tree before you plant it. Additionally, plant trees far enough away from driveways, sidewalks, and other concrete areas to avoid interference from roots. Flowering trees add beauty to your yard while fruit trees offer a sweet snack.

Strategic Plants
For anyone on a budget, a bit of shade can still be achieved on the cheap. Look for large potted plants to define your garden and provide the shade you need. Potted plants are easy to rearrange in formations that help beat the heat. Use a large table umbrella to cover any gaps.

Hedge It

Need shade somewhere particular? A hedge can help you get there, fast. Find a hedge that matches your needs. See if it will grow tall enough and if it can withstand the range of temperatures between summer and winter. More than just a shady feature, a hedge can provide a handy windbreak that can not only shield anyone on the patio, but can also protect fragile, new plants. Best of all, hedges enhance a landscape — even in the dead of winter.

Pergolas and Other Structures

Sophisticated and attractive, a pergola incorporates shade and a touch of drama. Enjoy the light-filtering benefits of a structure like a pergola, gazebo, or arbor, and upgrade your curb appeal. For tighter spaces, a partial pergola is the perfect match for a barren corner. To add an extra boost, consider the addition of hanging flower baskets or putting in flowering vines for a more romantic look.

Your landscape needs to fit a variety of needs. By adding in shade to otherwise too sunny areas, you can ensure that your yard functions as a gathering space all summer long.

To make sure your landscape is up to the task, consider turning to a professional. Blue Tree Landscaping is the one-stop-shop for everything from planning to design to maintenance — and even pools. Contact Blue Tree Landscaping today to incorporate shade into your garden.

For many, pool fencing is not just a great feature for keeping out unwanted guests, or making sure small children don’t go astray—it’s the law. However, more than a mere safety measure, a pool fence can also be a welcome aesthetic addition to any summer landscape. The trick is to match up your pool, home landscape, and fencing in a complementary way.

Pool Fencing Ideas for Your Home Landscape

Budget Fencing

A removable fence is a fast, easy option for anyone on a tight budget. These fences are best used as a secondary fence. For example, if there is already a perimeter fence that meets local laws regarding height and slat spacing, a removable fence can be installed around the pool temporarily.

Wood Fencing

When you want to keep your pool time fun away from the eyes of prying neighbors, a solid privacy fence can be a step in the right direction. There’s a wide range of styles available to help complement any decor. Double-check that the slats are spaced close enough to prevent anyone from slipping through.

Aluminum Pool Fencing

Affordable and hard-working, an aluminum tube pool fence may lack curb appeal, but it does get the job done. Just make sure there are no hand or foot holds that a youngster can use to pull themselves up and over the fence.

Mesh Pool Fencing

This pool fencing is nearly invisible, so families can easily keep tabs on what the children are doing, even from a distance. Mesh fencing is hard to climb over and under, so it definitely aligns with safety standards as well. These fences will require a few tweaks every now and then to ensure that the mesh lines up properly, and remains in good working condition.

Summer is still going strong, which means there’s no better time to start a pool replacement, or pool renovation project. Whether it’s switching out the lighting, or installing your dream pool, look to these top pool design trends:

Top Pool Design Trends for 2016

Infinity Pools

No longer reserved for the rich and famous, there’s no reason any backyard in the Montgomery or Chester County area can’t sport this sleek pool design. Known as a vanishing edge pool, these gorgeous inground pools are perfect for anyone who enjoys spectacular surrounding landscapes. Enjoy your view poolside.

Glass Tiles

You’re probably familiar with the typical pool siding or coping, but glass tiles are a newer addition that really kicks things up a notch. These tiles add a punch of color, and sophistication to any pool. There’s a wide range of tones to choose from in hues sure to dazzle any formerly lackluster pool.

Fire Features

Although we’re all enjoying the summer sun, there’s no harm in preparing for those chilly summer nights. Fire features are gas-powered, and can help shed a little light, and heat on your swimming pool area. It will add both drama, and excitement to any evening pool party.

Tanning Ledge

For anyone that loves to lounge in the sun, tanning ledges are the perfect place to soak up the sun, while staying partially submerged to beat the heat. Sometimes called a “Cabo Shelf,” or a “Baja Shelf,” tanning ledges hold somewhere between two to four inches of water. For those with children, they also make a great splashing zone.

LED Lighting

Not only a great feature indoors, LED lighting can jazz up inground swimming pools with a more colorful, festive approach. Nighttime swimming is no longer shadowy and dark, but rather a color-filled lightfest. Use strategically placed LED lights to enhance any landscape design, whether it’s in the pool or around it. Try rainbow hues, or stick with simple lighting techniques to complement your home landscape.

Pool Design for Drama and Fun

When it comes to pool design, there are a wide range of options. Consider using the features listed above to make your pool the envy of the neighborhood, as well as a family favorite. But, to get started, you’ll need to send in the professionals.

Blue Tree Landscaping handles everything from planning to maintenance to design and installation for landscapes and pools. Call Blue Tree Landscaping today to get the pool of your dreams tomorrow.